Montz to resign as mayor

TIFFIN — Mayor Aaron Montz has been named the new president and CEO of Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. TSEP and the city of Tiffin made the joint announcement Friday morning. Montz said he'll make the job switch at midnight on July 4 because he's been heavily involved with the city's bicentennial planning and he wants to take part as mayor in the Fourth of July festivities at Hedges-Boyer Park. "The next day I'll start at TSEP," he said Friday afternoon. Montz said he's been mayor for 10 years, and served for a few more years on city council before that. "I'm pushing 15 years with the city now," he said. "It's hard to believe it's been that long." The youngest mayor to be elected in Tiffin's history, Montz took office in January 2012 at the age of 26, and before than had been a city councilman since 2007. While in office, Montz served on the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, Northwest Ohio Mayors and Managers Association, Seneca Regional Planning Commission and North Central Ohio Regional Council of Governments. He also was appointed by former Gov. John Kasich to the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission in 2013. "Sometimes you need new challenges," Montz said. "I feel like the timing couldn't be any better. I certainly believe we are in the best financial position we've ever been in. We have the largest cash reserves. "I can tell you without a doubt we have the best team of department heads that we've ever had," he said. "It puts whoever succeeds me in a prime position." He said he knows a great person will replace him as mayor. "We have a great city council and there are other people in this community ready to step up," he said. "The stars aligned and timing was perfect for this to happen." What was he thinking? Ironically, Montz said he hadn't given any thought to applying for the TSEP position until two weeks ago when Seneca County Commissioner Mike Kerschner approached him. The search committee was not happy with the pool of 30-some applicants. "We cast a wide net," Montz said. "We had applicants from several states." But the committee didn't think any of them quite fit the job. Montz said Kerschner's idea started simmering in his mind. "To be honest, I laughed it off," he said. "But it was one of those things. I don't know if I got any sleep that night. If there's something you can't get out of your head, you need to spend more time thinking about it." So he did. "I spent every spare moment I wasn't working thinking," he said. "I finally came to the conclusion that it makes a ton of sense. It's the perfect timing. "This is an opportunity for me to remain in Tiffin," he said. "I determined a few years (ago) I have no interest in running for higher office." He originally decided to run again for his fourth term as mayor, but he knew it would probably be his last term. Here and there "This gives me an opportunity to challenge myself in a new way, in a new role, while at the same time continuing to help Tiffin and expanding into Seneca County," he said. "After all that thinking and pondering and stewing for a couple days, I decided to jump in with both feet. And here we are. "I could not be any more excited to take on this challenge," he said. "It is the most bittersweet thing that has happened in my life so far." He said he'll find it hard to leave the people he has been working with for so long. But in his new role, he isn't leaving Tiffin and he'll be getting to know the rest of the county better. "I felt this opportunity at TSEP will allow me to contribute to my hometown in a new way, and couldn't resist the challenge of helping to guide economic development for the future," he said. Montz said he learned Friday morning that it was also Kerschner who approached Rich Focht 30-some years ago about taking on the job as president of the organization — then known as Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. "Rich told me that when he called to congratulate me," Montz said. "Mike apparently knows when people might be ready for another sort of challenge. "Rich did so much in his 24 years there," he said. "Aaron has been instrumental in the spirit of collaboration that has led to our success here in Seneca County," said Kerschner in the news release. "I think he will do great things at TSEP and look forward to working together in this capacity." Good fit Commissioner Tyler Shuff said he served with Montz as a member of Tiffin City Council beginning 15 years ago. "We've got some amazing things accomplished," Shuff said. "He's done a stellar job as our mayor and I'm confident he will continue to do great things in his new role at TSEP. He has a strong team around him and I personally look forward to having him working alongside us in the future." "I'm excited that we have selected Aaron Montz to lead Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership," Lillian Schumacher, chairwoman of the TSEP Board of Trustees and president of Tiffin University, said. "I have had the privilege of working with Aaron on many projects, both in my capacity at TSEP and at Tiffin University, and I wish him the best in this new role as he helps chart the course for the future of our community." When he begins his job as TSEP president, Montz said his top goals will be to continue renovation of the downtown building shared by TSEP, Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Destination Seneca County. "A lot of it (is) getting to know the team better. Luckily, I already know them," he said. "And spending time out in the county because those are folks I'm not necessarily as close to." He said he also plans to raise some funds "just to make sure we have a little bit of a cushion." Montz replaces David Zak, who took a leadership position with Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development in May. He will be replaced as mayor by City Council President Bridget Boyle as spelled out in the city charter. She will serve as interim mayor until his term would have ended on Dec. 31, 2023, or until city council chooses a replacement.